OKUL ÇAĞI ÇOCUKLARINDA AMBALAJLI GIDA TÜKETİM ALIŞKANLIKLARININ BELİRLENMESİ OBEZİTE İLE İLİŞKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

Purpose: In the rapidly changing modern world, individuals have increased their consumption of packaged and fast food products due to their convenience, ease of transportation, and relatively economical nature. The energy and fat content of foods in this group are considerably higher than those of traditional foods. Along with the shift in eating habits, obesity rates are rising rapidly worldwide due to insufficient physical activity. Eating habits acquired during childhood are critical in preventing obesity and the associated diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of students' eating behaviors and the frequency of packaged food consumption on weight control and obesity.

Method: Volunteer participants between the ages of 7 and 14, studying in primary and secondary schools in the Güngören district of Istanbul, were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers, which assessed socio-demographic characteristics and eating habits, was administered to all participants. In the study, health status, eating habits, and food consumption data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 98 children, and anthropometric measurements were taken.

Findings: The research findings revealed significant relationships between children's eating habits and their Body Mass Index (BMI) values. The BMI values of children who ate at home were significantly lower than those who ate in the school cafeteria (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant relationship was found between packaged food consumption and BMI. Statistical differences were observed in the BMI values of children who consumed packaged food once or more per week compared to those who consumed it less frequently (p<0.05). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between the mother's education level and the child's packaged food consumption (p<0.05).

Results: The school-age period is crucial for the development of lifelong behaviors that affect health. Children in this age group spend most of their day at school and utilize school canteen/cafeteria services. In terms of public health, ensuring that school-age children have access to healthy foods and promoting healthy eating habits can have numerous positive effects, most notably in preventing childhood obesity. Nutrition education and school dietitian interventions for children in this age group can provide significant benefits for their health.

Key Words: Obesity, Nutrition, Packaged Food, Nutritional Status